(Newser)
–
Ah, the Amy Winehouse-debt ceiling connection. Don't see it? Missouri GOP Congressman Billy Long thought it was obvious: ""No one could reach #AmyWinehouse before it was too late. Can anyone reach Washington before it's too late? Both addicted - same fate???" he tweeted. Now he's apologizing after taking flak that the comment was inappropriate, reports the News-Leader of Springfield.

"Although I do believe spending 42 percent more than we take in is an addiction, I certainly meant no disrespect to Amy, her family or her fans," he texted to the newspaper. "She was one of the few true artists to come along in a long time. What happened to her was a senseless tragedy and drawing an analogy wasn't meant to minimize the loss of life. If anyone took offense, I sincerely apologize." (Microsoft UK also apologized for a Winehouse tweet, this one pushing her records.)